Put your passport away!
Might I suggest you put your passport away for now, international holidays do not look like they are happening any time soon so let’s take time to look at some favourite places to holiday in the UK. Since lockdown 1 ended last year holidays in our own country seem to have been branded ‘Staycations’. I’m not sure I really like the word myself, who would ever say ‘vacation’ in the UK? It’s so Americanised. We would call it a holiday or a short break wouldn’t we? I quite like UK Breakation personally.
Avoid the crowds
So, where can we go that is not going to be flooded out by everyone else having the same idea? The usual holiday hotspots such as the Lake District, Cornwall, Devon, Northumberland and the Yorkshire Dales are going to be swamped this summer. Here are some alternative ideas for you to ensure the Summer of 2021 remains memorable for the right’ reasons.
- If you do some research, you will find unique accommodation options that range from quirky boutique stays and tree houses to grand opulent manor houses and sophisticated urban pads.
- Early summer is the perfect time for a luxury couples break in the UK; schools are still in, the weather is often at its finest and crowds are minimal even in the most popular destinations.
- Over on the southwest coast of Wales is Pembrokeshire. More than a third of the Welsh county is taken up by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, making it a natural attraction for walkers and nature lovers alike. One of the most unique ways that you can add some flavour to your breakation in Wales this year is by adding on a wild foraging experience along the windswept coastline. With the help of a local expert who has experience working in some of Europe’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants, you will be led along wild beaches, dramatic clifftops and through rock pools in search of edible plants and fungi. After a day of collecting ingredients gather as a group to enjoy a dinner made using the ingredients you source paired with fresh local produce.
- Fancy a Hebridean Cruise? Hundreds of islands and islets can be found scattered across Scotland’s beautiful coast and a cruise of these sublimely secluded Scottish Islands can be hugely relaxing, stress-free and therapeutic. A number of cruise lines are also operating sailings around the British Isles this summer to entice cruisers back. Those currently advertising sailings are P&O, Celebrity, Fred Olsen, Riviera, Hurtigruten, Princess, Saga and Tradwind. Plus, a very special select few dates on the fabulous Disney Cruise Line!
- You could experience London at its absolute finest (and less busiest) this June with a long weekend ‘GIN’ city break in the capital. As well as 2 nights in a fabulous hotel, you can include a romp around the city delving into all things gin onboard a classic Mini Cooper! You’ll stop off at a number of specially chosen establishments to enjoy a glass of the iconic drink, including a visit to a local distillery. Sounds grand!
- Some UK hotels have even started selling All Inclusive breaks! Including a lovely country house hotel in Cumbria which is a Grade II listed building occupying a special spot within five acres of peaceful landscapes gardens.
- How about taking the family for a private self-catering getaway to the Norfolk countryside over May Half Term? There are some super lodges in glorious countryside close to the canals – you can even bring your furry friends along to some!
- Harry Potter fans should head to Glasgow and board a train on the West Highland Railway Line. The wonderful steam train passes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct famously like the Hogwarts Express has on so many occasions! This line also takes the stunning route of Fort William to Mallaig and you can experience it all in 4 days.
There are so many different types of breaks you can take from a Vegan Food Tour in York to Paddle Boarding in Dorset; yoga, surf and wild camping in Cornwall; 3 Peaks Hiking; a Cotswolds Cycling Break or a Photography holiday in the New Forest. So many ideas, so little time!
My hopes are that we have brilliant, dry, sunny weather and that we can discover and enjoy our own Isles looking forward to international travel returning fully next year!
